By the Boathouse by Miki Byrne

(Port Elliot. St Germans. Cornwall.)

The boathouse settles into the bank

like an old man in a favourite chair. 

Same slumped shoulders and a bald patch 

where thatch has whittled away over 

a hundred Cornish winters. 

The Tamar strolls in, unhurried. 

Pushed by a slow tide that lacks winter’s rage. 

Small boats lie, prows forward in the current, 

like dashes upon a liquid page. 

The yelp and cackle of gulls cracks summer air, 

as they ride like kites upon an up-draught.

Grass is thick and fragrant. 

Overhangs muddy banks in frowning 

bushy brows that gaze over brown water. 

Behind me, cedar and cypress whisper. 

Beyond swaying trees the spire of St. Germans stands. 

Like a weather-worn finger, that points the way to heaven.

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Miki has had two poetry collections and a pamphlet published, plus over 500 poems included in poetry magazines/anthologies. She was a finalist for Gloucestershire’s Poet Laureate and a nominee for the Pushcart Prize. Miki has read on TV and on Radio many times. She also ran a poetry writing group at The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury. She has read at many festivals and venues. Miki is disabled and now lives near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, UK.